Finding Magnolia

Chapter Two

“Oh hi.” I try to say unfazed as he sets up near me.

“Hey Mags. How have you been.”

“I was doing good until you got here.” I say flatly.

“Maggie.” Walker warns behind me. I give him a look and get up and head towards the path that follows around the lake.

“Magnolia wait I’ll walk with you!” Sophia shouts and she runs toward me.

“Sorry about that.” I apologize to her.

“Oh girl it doesn’t bother me. I know it bothers you so I wanted to check on you. Walker told me all about it. And I was nervous to agree to bring Knox here with us.”

“Between him constantly trying to piss me off as kids to then f*****g my now ex best friend. At first my mom just told me ‘we think he is your mate be kind’ no excuse for his behavior. And if they all think that, HE should be kind.”

“I would’ve throat punched him. And him being your mate or not, is no excuse for his behavior.”

“That’s what I said.” I threw my hands up then let them drop to my sides.

“I just want you to know he ignored all the she-wolves throwing themselves at him and hasn’t acted out of line once in the past 6 months. I know it doesn’t mean anything to you and you need an apology but he has been changing.”

“I’m glad for him and the kid s**t I just let it go, we were all assholes to each other but, the best friend thing?” Tears spill over now. “I’ve had the biggest crush on him forever. Alyson knew that.”

“Oh sweetheart, if he is, he’ll have to make up for it for the rest of his life. But don’t let his presence ruin your excitement for your trip.”

“I leave sooner than everyone knows. With Walker telling mom that Knox was coming she allowed me to go earlier. I’m hoping to find my mate out there somewhere. Mom and dad are heading out that way for my birthday to help me shift but I’m gone tomorrow. I’m going to miss Walker well and now you too. Thank you for talking with me.”

“I’ll get your number later from Walker so we can stay in touch, I want pictures.” She smiles big and hugs me from the side as we walk back up to the boys.

Walker talks all about training and how he met Sophia. A few jokes and hide he missed his bed. We ate and had a good time. I could feel his eyes on me every so often but I tried to act like I didn’t notice.

As we were walking back Knox hung back to try and walk with me.

“Look Magnolia, I know what I did last year was wrong and I hurt you. I never meant to do it and I never wanted to hurt you.”

“Both of you were close to me. She knew things..”

“The you liked me? I knew too.” He cut me off.

“That makes it even worse. And the fact you both still decided to do it? I know you two can feel how ever toward each other but for me to find out the way I did. What about her mate when she finds him? What about yours?”

“I know and I feel absolutely awful and I’ve made it a promise to me and whoever my mate will be, to no longer do anything with any other she-wolf.”

“You liked her didn’t you?” We walked up to my house to drop me off cause they wouldn’t let me walk alone. “Don’t answer that.”

I ran in and ran up to my room to shower so no one could bother me. I feel stupid. Why would he like me? Alyson was filing out sooner than me I guess I still look like a pup still where as she looked. . . grown. But I always thought her personality was more surface level. Ugh.

I get out of the shower and get ready for bed. My mom comes in and talks with me for a bit, going over my trip and asking how I felt after today. I feel like s**t. But I’m excited for my little adventure.

“Your scent is coming early Mags. You may get your wolf soon.”

“Oh wow. But mom.. don’t tell anyone where I’m going. I don’t want anyone to follow me or pop up out of no where.”

“You got it my sweet Magnolia flower. Oddly enough that’s what you smell like, with a bit of ocean breeze.” She hugs me and says her goodbyes to let me sleep before bringing me to the airport tomorrow.

The sleep was rough. Tossing and turning and full of excitement. 5 am hits and I am up, dressed in legging and comfy hoodie and some plain sneakers. I grab my suitcase and backpack and head down to my mom and dad. We eat breakfast and then they see me off. I am so excited to get away! I finally get onto the plane and find my seat. It’s finally happening! I get to travel.

“And not alone!”

Holy s**t I got my wolf!!

“Yes you did. And early too!”

“What’s your name?”

“Lumi.”

“Like luminous or light”

“Yes.” She smiles with all her sharp teeth. Proud. “We can now find our mate and I’m so excited to see the world with you.”

Best. f*****g. Day. Ever!

We land in Europe and I get to my hotel and immediately call my mom and tell her everything.

“What a wonderful way to start off your trip! But I can’t help but wonder what could’ve pulled her out early. I’ve heard about it before but I just can’t put my finger on exactly what it is.”

“You’ll remember when you least expect it mom. But remember don’t tell anyone where I am. I don’t need anyone randomly popping up.”

“I promise. I’ll call you back later, the boys and Sophia will be here for a late lunch.”

“Oh yeah it’s be 1 or 2 ish. Okay love you!”

“Love you too sweetheart.”